What’s the next big thing in nightlife, post–overpaid D.J.’s? “People are bored of hip-hop and house; rock will become the driving force,” insists Steve Lewis, the driving force behind Tunnel, Life, and most recently Spa. His latest venture: Plaid, in the old Spa on 13th Street.

Just how “rock” is it? Well, beer is only $5!

But Plaid? “I came up with the name in prison,” says Lewis. “I was watching a rap video with a room covered in the fabric.”

Prison? How hard-core . . . Lewis just served nine months on narcotics charges. “It was one of the better experiences of my life,” he says, “but to be honest, I wish it had been over by six months. You get the point by then.”

Related:

• Archive: “Intelligencer Features”
• Articles by Ethan Brown
• Table of Contents: Jun 30, 2003 issue of New York | Subscribe!